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In a landmark moment of unity, Texas lawmakers have taken a decisive step to honor the unseen burdens carried by those who serve on the front lines of our communities. On May 14, 2025, both the Texas House and Senate officially proclaimed May 14 as Moral Injury Awareness Day, joining a growing national movement to address the invisible wounds that first responders, veterans, and frontline professionals endure in their line of duty.
“Many veterans and first responders carry burdens that are invisible, but no less real,” said Sen. Kelly Hancock, R‑Fort Worth. “We’re called to bear each other’s burdens. I’m confident that Texans will gladly and gratefully fulfill that responsibility to the men and women who put everything on the line for the safety of our communities each day. We must ensure our hometown heroes are never left to face these challenges alone.”
Moral injury, distinct from clinical diagnoses like PTSD, occurs when an individual experiences, witnesses, or is unable to prevent actions that violate their deeply held moral beliefs. These experiences often bring guilt, shame, and a loss of trust—unseen wounds that can quietly shape and strain lives.
“Recognizing Moral Injury Awareness Day in Texas is a crucial step toward honoring the unseen sacrifices of our military members, veterans, and first responders,” said Rep. Charlie Geren, R‑Fort Worth. “By supporting programs like R3, we are not only addressing the silent wounds carried by those who serve but also building stronger, healthier communities across our state. I’m proud to stand with my colleagues in bringing attention to this important issue and supporting the mental health of our frontline heroes.”
This statewide recognition builds on initiatives already taking root in cities like Fort Worth. Last summer, Mayor Mattie Parker and the Fort Worth City Council issued a city proclamation recognizing Moral Injury Awareness Day and spotlighting their partnership with the American Warrior Association (AWA) and its R3 Program—Respond, Restore, Resolve.
Initially launched in Fort Worth, R3 is a first-of-its-kind initiative designed to help first responders address moral injury with practical tools and non‑clinical support—paid resilience training, faith‑based retreats, and community resources. The program’s mission extends beyond individuals, working to reduce absenteeism, improve morale, and strengthen trust between first responders and the communities they protect.
“I’m grateful for the recognition of R3’s tireless work addressing moral injury in Fort Worth through mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual support,” said Fort Worth Mayor Mattie Parker. “This Moral Injury Awareness Day, I urge the state of Texas to continue to prioritize mental health and wellness for our men and women in uniform who selflessly serve our communities every day.”
“We are so grateful for the support of our statewide elected officials in our work toward securing accessible mental health resources for our first responders and veteran communities,” said Anna Heil, AWA Managing Director. “Providing accessible, non‑clinical mental health support for our first responders and veterans is more important now than ever, and working with a body of elected officials who are willing to act swiftly underscores the need and priority of the work we’re doing.”
Today’s proclamation does more than mark a date on the calendar. It represents a powerful example of how public and private leaders can join forces to honor and care for those who serve. It signals to donors, city leaders, and community members across the state that investing in programs like R3 is a direct way to strengthen the health and resilience of entire communities.
Learn more about R3 and how you can help bring these resources to first responders across the country:
